Leisure and settlement distress: the case of South Australian migrants

Abstract

Acculturative stress is an important issue in understanding the early settlement of migrants in a new country. This stress relates to difficulties migrants experience in their adjustment to the lifestyle of their host countries. How such stress can be ameliorated through leisure activities is an under-researched area. The present study explored trends and challenges that migrants face in leisure participation during their early years in a new country. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with migrants and representatives of migration and leisure organizations in South Australia. Five themes emerged from network analysis. One significant positive theme (leisure as a coping strategy) emphasized the benefits of leisure activities to migrants as a tool to alleviate acculturative stress. However, the other four themes (employment challenges, financial issues, perceived discrimination and family obligations) disclosed negative aspects. These restrictions not only form the basis of acculturative stress among migrants but also represent hurdles for their participation in leisure activities. The results of the study indicate that, overall, migrants' leisure participation plays a significant role in decreasing acculturative stress.